New gallery on Fort Myers Beach features celebrated artists
There is a new gallery in town, and it’s diverse array of impressive artwork is sure to get the attention of art admirers.
The Elevate Artworks/Art With a Purpose gallery is tucked in the side of a boat dealership at 17953 San Carlos Boulevard. Inside the almost-hidden space is a whole new world of art in a gallery full of some impressive artwork and craftsmanship by some first class, world-class artists.
The gallery is overseen by Rodney Flounders, who is a longtime art exhibitionist. Flounders previously was involved in art shows around Orlando and St. Peterburg.
The art pieces range from oil paintings to acrylic works, watercolors, clayworks, jewelry and prints.
One of the highlights is a painting by celebrated Clearwater-based artist Jim Warren depicting The Doors singer Jim Morrison on, what else – a door. “That’s the crowning glory of the gallery,” Flounders said. Flounders said the door is one of seven salvaged doors from Morrison’s family home in Clearwater.
Warren won a Grammy for Bob Seger’s Against the Wind cover art. The gallery features prints of Warren’s work, including one titled “Stairway to Heaven.” Flounders said that Warren will custom paint over one of the prints on request.
Some of the more spectacular art pieces is work by Mexican artist Luis Sottil, who uses dyes, elements from plants, vegetables, the shells of beatles, and spieces tones, are on what Flounders calls a grand piano finish in a unique art display.
Paul Vincenti, an Orlando-based painter has some of the most impressive oil paintings at the gallery. “He is one of the best, most talented artists I have ever met and I have met a lot,” Flounders said.
Other eye-catchers include a watercolor by Ken Austin, the late president of the Florida Watercolor Society. “He was brilliant,” Flounders said.
Michael Hall, a California-based painter, is represented by a number of sharp acrylic paintings.
There is also a print of a painting by the late Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson, and artist Don Mackin, titled “Don’t Worry Baby.”
Macklin also has several original acrylic stunners in the gallery, on canvas and on aluminum.
Flounders said that raising funds for nonprofits through the sale of artwork is a major part of what he does. “Raising money for charities through art is a major part of what I do. I sell art to benefit the artists and a charity,” Flounders said. One of the charities he is working with is Miles of Smiles Foundation, an equine-therapy horse ranch in North Fort Myers.
The operating hours for the gallery are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information on Elevate Artworks/Art With a Purpose, contact (407) 925-2409 or email Flounders at sottilrodney@yahoo.com.